Kwanzaa, a seven-day holiday, was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. This African-American and Pan-African festival celebrating family, community, and culture, was modeled after African first-fruits celebrations. The candles of a seven-branched candelabrum represent the seven principles (the Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa - unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith - and are lit successively over the seven days of the festival.